Seals on the Farne Islands on the One Show

[Kath Mulligan]

Did anyone see that fantastic item on the One Show last night featuring a GP who relaxes by diving and filming underwater with the wildlife off the Farne Islands?

It was so lovely to see that the seals seemed to have no fear of him, only curiosity. He was able to stroke them, and one came right up to the camera to investigate.

Amazing shots of seabirds diving underwater too.

Kath

[gloria townsin]

No, I didn't see it. But did see Heiki (sp?) on Island Parish rescuing a baby seal last week. I guess they took it to Gweek, would have liked it better if they had followed it to it's destination with a bit of an up-date.

[Kath Mulligan]

Yes I saw Heike rescuing that baby seal too, Gloria. Last one in the series on Friday and it sounds as though there is a bit of a shock regarding the Rev. David Easton's re-election - can't imagine why, he seems like a lovely bloke to me.

Kath

[gloria townsin]

Had the same thoughts about the Rev. they have definitely left Guy alone this series, wonder if at his request or they thought it was getting a bit one sided religion wise.
So pleased Heike has found romance :D ......how she makes enough to live on I have no idea.

[Kath Mulligan]

From what I read some of the Methodists on Scilly were a bit miffed at all the focus being on Father Guy last series, while more Scillonians are actually of the Methodist persuasion, so presumably that is why they have featured David Easton this series. To be honest, I was losing patience with Guy Scott and have much preferred watching David Easton. I know which one I would prefer to talk to in a crisis! I really do hope he doesn't end up having to leave the islands, he seems so happy there.

Yes, I too have wondered how on earth Heike has managed to make ends meet - suppose that is why she has been trying her hand (or should that be her foot!) at modelling again to supplement her income. Hope her romance with the photographer works out well for her. He seemed to hit it off ok with her son, which is a bonus for her.

Kath

[Janet Swan]

Did anyone see that fantastic item on the One Show last night featuring a GP who relaxes by diving and filming underwater with the wildlife off the Farne Islands?Kath

Yes, I watched it too. You never know what is going to be on 'The One Show' each evening, but often there are real gems. Usually I'm cooking around that time, so dashing in and out of the kitchen so I don't miss too much.

Also must say that I hope Father Guy is not representative of most CofE priests/vicars. I just felt it was wrong that he left his parishioners in Mullion so soon (particularly as they had a lot of affection for him) and took his family away from their new friends there. And why were the lovely retired clergy couple needed so much? Surely not too many parishioners for one priest, if most residents are Methodist? Even covering for holidays would be a matter of weeks, not months at a time? And, in my town we have numerous clergy of several different churches, and the only one called 'Father' is the RC priest and only he is addressed as Father Michael, where all other clergymen are Michael, Oliver, Jane, Philip etc. Hmmm :roll: .

Janet

[gloria townsin]

Yes Janet I too wondered why the married clergy couple were back working. Is it too difficult to break into the community there I wonder. The people in Mullion had really taken to Guy and his family and were not only dissapointed but pretty miffed it seems when he left. I attended what must have been one of his last services in Mullion, although I didn't know that, and he came over as very pleasant, caring and well thought of, he gave a very happy service and made time for the children to show their Easter drawings. I think he made a mistake going to the Scilly's not just because he left Mullion but because I think he might have needed more experience before attempting such a difficult job in a small area, he hadn't been 'in the job' that long before moving there. I think maybe the Mullion congregation felt a bit shunned when they had obviously taken him to their hearts. I said to Eddie I wonder if he regrets his decision.

[Kath Mulligan]

I've often suspected that he might regret it, Gloria, and his wife didn't seem to be settling particularly well on Scilly either. Think it was David Easton who said that it takes time to become accepted as part of the community on the islands, so maybe by now he is finding it a bit easier.

Kath

[gloria townsin]

It will be interesting to see if he appears in the last episode of the series, but I somehow don't think he will. When he was based on the Lizard he had two other churches and their communities under his care so he could pop about in a much larger 'fish tank' - now those under his care are on small islands and therefore tight communities, you probably need to be there for many years before you are thought of as part and parcel of the place. And sadly I don't think he displayed enough 'connective' spirit when he arrived so didn't endear himself to the congregation at large. Having said all that who's to say at some point he won't break through and be someone the Islands treasure for years to come. For all their sakes I hope so. :)

[Kath Mulligan]

Can't believe that David Easton didn't get the 60% of votes needed to be re-elected. Wonder what on earth was going on over there that we didn't get to see, since the general reaction seemed to be complete shock and dismay. How dreadfully hard it must have been for him to take that Harvest Festival service and the wedding too when he was feeling so upset and bereft. I was quite tearful at the end of the programme, and would have appreciated a bit more info into the vote against him.

And Heike and her photographer getting engaged too - wow, that was a bit of a whirlwind romance! Hope it works out ok for them both.

Going to miss that series again, it has been a lovely bit of escapism on a Friday evening.

Kath

[Janet Swan]

I felt like you, Kath, absolutely devastated that David Easton was rejected after so many years of good, hard work and seeming such a popular man. I do wonder what happened to him next, as it must have shaken his confidence and faith in people.

Also noticed no mention at all of Father Guy when the lovely CofE priests were saying their goodbyes. That was very strange.

Maybe things are a bit strange on the Scillies and perhaps I won't dream of living there any more :( .

Janet

[Kath Mulligan]

I rather suspect that Father Guy maybe asked not to be involved in this series which would explain his absence from Donald and Margaret's leaving ceremony, but it did seem a bit odd that he was nowhere to be seen in the background either.

That's three lovely people now lost to the Scillies; what a great shame. Like you, I do wonder how David Easton is faring now, where he has been posted to, and just how difficult it has been for him to pick up the pieces and start again. As you say, his confidence must have taken a huge knock. I wanted to give him a big hug when he broke down in tears last night. Wherever he has gone, his parish will be very lucky to get him in my opinion.

Kath

[Janet Swan]

It's OK, I think. I have googled Rev David Easton and there is a minister of the same name in St Thomas' Church and who covers Alphington and St Thomas near Exeter. He took up post as Superintendent of Exeter Methodist Circuit in September 2007. Will now read the other results of the google.

Janet

[Janet Swan]

No, I was wrong - found another mention for the same church with picture of a clergyman - NOT the David Easton I thought.

Janet

[Kath Mulligan]

This series only finished filming this autumn, Janet, so I suppose it is possible that he hasn't actually gone to a new parish yet. Hope we get to find out in a follow-up.

Kath

[gloria townsin]

How strange that all was. When he seemed so popular and it was even hinted that the Scilly folk preferred him to Father Guy then this...... He clearly felt it as a huge rejection having given so much - but that's people for you. Could it be that, as happens so many times, many thought their vote or opinion wasn't necessary, that it was a safe and forgone conclusion, only to be caught out. Who knows. And how very odd that F.Guy was nowhere to be seen at the leaving of the COE couple. Possibly it might be a more closed society than we realise.
I hope Heike hasn't jumped into her romance too quickly, he seems a super chap so hope it works well for the three of them. She certainly seemed a happy lady.
Miss it!! Will I? You Bet!!

[Janet Swan]

I think Heike will be fine - she's been single and independent for a very long time and would know what feels right or not. On a trivial note, I do like the way she can wear a scarf - always toning beautifully with her sweater or top and tied prettily. I just haven't got the knack of wearing a scarf, tying it in a fashionable way, and when I do try, they end up blowing across my face or getting in my soup :roll: . That's why I stick to poloneck sweaters instead :lol: .

But I am very concerned for David Easton and his distress. Can we send Kath over to give him that hug :( ? I do so want to know what will happen for him.

Janet

[gloria townsin]

Mmmmm.........scarf tying..........must be something in my book 'How to do...........' but then again............ :) I suffer the same scarf flying around trick although I am getting better with the make a loop and put the ends through style. Polo necks..........favourite at my house. :)

[Kath Mulligan]

Polo necks fit the bill in this house too - in fact I am wearing a black one as I type with a kingfisher blue 3/4 sleeve V necked sweater over the top of it. And you really didn't need to know that, did you? Sorry! :oops: I too would love to be able to wear a scarf elegantly. Claire can manage it effortlessly, but whatever I try it never really looks right. Have been wearing a long red one wrapped round and round my neck and over my mouth though this past week while it has been so cold, otherwise the asthma kicks in big time.

Kath

[Kath Mulligan]

And I would be very happy to go over to Scilly and give David Easton that big hug, except that I am rather broke now after booking all these holidays and buying Christmas presents. :cry:

Kath